GulfHost 2018 and DWTC’s Bespoke shows shape region’s food service future

GulfHost 2018 and the co-located trio of bespoke food shows at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) demonstrated how they are driving the regional foodservice industry, generating millions of dollars in new business deals, partnerships and exciting ventures between future-focused exhibitors and high-calibre industry decision makers.

Amid unprecedented industry transformation across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and rapidly changing consumer preferences, GulfHost, showed why it has quickly established a reputation as the complete hospitality equipment and sourcing expo for the Middle East, Africa and Asia, with industry pioneers displaying the latest solutions to meet the increasing demand for greater efficiency, productivity and value, while showing environmental awareness.

Running alongside GulfHost, the trio of bespoke shows – yummex Middle East, SEAFEX and The Speciality Food Festival, showcased the latest trends permeating the regional food and beverage industry. Combined, the quartet of shows provided a platform for 2,500 brands, showcasing more than 8,000 products, attracting tens of thousands of visitors across the three-day run.

One of the scores of exhibitors to reel in impressive figures from its outing at the annual foodservice extravaganza was the Indonesian Catfish Entrepreneurs Association (APCI). The APCI chose SEAFEX 2018, the only exhibition for seafood professionals in the region, for the global launch of its brand “Indonesian Pangasius”.

Heralded for its health benefits, with the use of probiotics, and sustainable farming processes that uses groundwater and low-density ponds, the APCI hooked more than 45 prospective buyers for the pangasius – mostly from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, generating business potential in excess of USD10 million.

“I had sensed that this Indonesian Pangasius product would be well received, but the results that were obtained here really exceeded expectations. We are very happy that our long support to APCI brought positive outcomes,” said Mr. Machmud, Director of Marketing at the Directorate General of PDSPKP, from the Indonesian Ministry of Marine and Aquaculture Affairs (MMAF).

“With this great interest shown in the Indonesian pangasius offering, the next step will be to convert the business contacts and we look forward to returning again.” said Mr. Samiono Supangat, from APCI.

Meanwhile, Rational AG, the German professional kitchen equipment manufacturer, underlined its commitment to the region and its growing business across the Middle East at GulfHost 2018, reporting significant year-on-year interest.

Simon Parke-Davis, Managing Director, Rational, said: “Our target is always to have access to people looking to transfer thermal energy into food. At GulfHost we were able to meet these individuals and begin to develop the right business relations. Compared with last year we secured 25 per cent more leads on the first day alone.”

Romania’s largest ice cream manufacturer, Betty Ice, enjoyed a sweet showing at yummex Middle East, securing a regional partner for its products in record time.

Razvan Kaminski, National Key Account and Development Manager, Betty Ice, said: “This was our second appearance at yummex Middle East and within the first day we managed to secure a partner for the Gulf region. We were able to meet not only buyers, but people who deal in transport and logistics who have been able to provide us with information on shipment methods of our product. Because of the show, we are now much better informed and equipped.”

Alongside the healthy business deals and agreements being forged across the halls, the GulfHost Restaurant Development Conference, powered by the International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA) in Dubai and the Middle East Food Forum, saw regional F&B heavyweights forge blueprints for industry innovation, through a series of open-door learning experiences.

“With exhibitors reporting year-on-year growth in interest and finding new partners, and first-time exhibitors exceeding their own expectations, coupled with visitors exalting the quality and innovation on display, the quartet of shows once again delivered on their promise of setting the agenda and shaping the future of the region’s foodservice industry,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Conferences, Dubai World Trade Centre.

“The addition of the cutting-edge GulfHost Restaurant Development Conference, with some of the biggest names in the industry taking the stage to provide crucial insights, forecasts and advice for the industry, raised the bar even further. Planning has already begun on taking the next edition of the bespoke food shows to another level.”